The Pickering House is an old sea captain's house with over 3000 sq feet of relaxing Down East charm. This property offers ample space, inside and out, perfect for larger families and group gatherings of up to 10. The house itself is situated on a gentle sloping hill across the street from Northwest Harbor and is just a three minute walk from the historic village of Deer Isle. Originally built by Thomas Pickering in 1854 this farmhouse has wonderful elements from the past and is sure to excite history buffs. Most locals you'll meet will know The Pickering House as 'ole Dr. Kopfmann's house - the island's doctor for over 40 years. He charged $2 for office visits at the house, $3 for house calls and was famous for handing out sugar pills (which miracously cured most ailments.)
The house, a classic Georgian farmhouse, has been recently renovated but retains traditional island charm: Beautiful hardwood floors, original tin ceilings, an attached barn, exposed ceiling beams that were once ship masts, and an old ship's beam which forms the curvature of the library walls.
The big back yard has multiple flower and vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Please help yourself to whatever is in season - rhubarb, asparagus, peas, lettuces/kales, tomatoes, apples or pears - just be sure to secure the gate of the salad garden when you are done picking or the deer will eat everything overnight. ***There is also a deeded walking path which leads back to Lily Pond - a great swimming hole where the water is warm enough to swim and play in for hours. Lily Pond is almost a mile in length and is super clean as no motorized vehicles are allowed in its waters. A trip back to the pond is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day! This is really is a don't miss feature and the favorite of many returning guests. And, if you're a fisherman, bring your rod and reel. They stock brown trout here!
A great plus for this property is it's location: across the street from the harbor, walking distance to shops, galleries, coffee shops, the Pilgrim Inn and just 1 mile to The Island Country Club (a public golf course) and Deer Isle Yacht Club. There are a number of places to walk along the shore (including the Little Deer and Sunshine Causeways -which are also great places to go clamming) and Sand Beach & Reach Beach are the best island beaches if you are brave enough for a quick dip in the freezing cold Maine Coast Atlantic Ocean. I also recommend Barred Island Preserve which at low tide the sandbar appears and you can walk across it and explore the newly connected island.
I also own a neighboring property, Spofford Hill House, featuring an additional 6 bedrooms (with a 1st fl Master) and 4.5 baths, that can be rented for large family reunions and groups starting Summer 2021. Combined the properties can accommodate up to 23 guests.
The House:
The first floor of the home has a Living Room with a fireplace and 46' television w/a Roku player ( Netflix & HuluPlus) which opens to the gourmet country Kitchen. The Kitchen features a 4 oven AGA cooker (shut off in summer months), a professional stainless range, a Sub Zero refrigerator, and a huge kitchen island. Off the kitchen is a butler's pantry, a small laundry area with a Fisher & Paykel washer & dryer, and a 1/2 bathroom. The separate Dining Room is just steps away and has comfortable seating for 9-10. The Library also has plenty of seating for all, a 46” flat screen tv w/cable tv, a game table for nights of Bridge, Scrabble or Poker and a desk and wet bar area. Across the hall from the Library is the Parlor - the most elegant room in this farmhouse with tall windows peering towards the ocean, original tin ceiling, a crystal chandelier, a baby grand piano (tuned last in July 2020) and a couch that coverts into bed for overflow or unexpected guests.
The second floor has four bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a 1/2 bathroom. The first bedroom has a King size bed with limited views of the harbor. The second bedroom has two Queen beds and also has limited (varying substantially with the seasons) views of the harbor. This bedroom includes an en suite full bathroom. There are curtains that can be drawn between the beds for more limited privacy. The third bedroom is quite small and has a Twin bed but features its own en suite 1/2 bathroom. The 4th bedroom, which I generally claim as the Master Bedroom, is located at the back of the house down a private hallway with a King size bed, a 42' tv w/cable and Roku and an en suite full bathroom. This room overlooks the back yard and has windows on 3 walls which make for a wonderful cross breeze.
If you haven't been to Deer Isle before it is truly a throwback to the way Maine was 50 years ago! Deer Isle is connected to the Blue Hill peninsula by a small suspension bridge and a beautiful causeway so there is no need to worry about ferrying your car over. Be sure to bring your camera! Every time you turn a corner you'll see sights more beautiful than the last.
Your days will be filled exploring Deer Isle (and nearby areas such as Castine, Blue Hill, Bar Harbor) and your nights on the front porch enjoying the breeze that comes up from the harbor or you can walk down to the Library and see a spectacular sunset. Deer Isle is one of the biggest lobstering ports in the USA. You can buy lobster directly off the dock in Stonington (a quick 6 mile drive at the Southern tip if the island) as the boats come in or at the Co-op. Summer 2013 I paid about $3.75/lb. Summer 2017 I paid $5.25/lb. Summer 2019 I paid $6.50/lb. Summer 2020 $5.50 for soft shell. I hear Lobster prices will be much higher Summer 2022 😢
The house is for rent on a weekly basis (Saturday to Saturday) in July and August. I will also consider 3 day weekend ($300/night) or weekly rentals for September and October. Contact me below or visit DownEastMaineRentals if you have other questions.
Dogs are allowed with prior approval and a non - refundable pet deposit of $150 (Hey, that's cheaper than leaving Fido at the kennel and tons more fun!) I am a dog owner and lover myself and I want you to have the best vacation possible! If you are a return vacationer with the same dog this deposit drops to $25. Because of allergy concerns, please note that dogs are the only pets allowed at The Pickering House.
Thank you for considering a vacation at The Pickering House. If you have any questions or would like additional pictures please let me know.
